By V. Sivaji
Seasoned entertainer, Brian Dourado who hails Ipoh has been in the industry for more than 25 years plying his trade.
Be it small pubs, restaurants, weddings, product launch events or even corporate, he has seen it all.
His repertoire consists of evergreen, Country and Western, retro numbers, jazz, funk and more.
He is also versatile in rendering English, Malay, Hindu, Mandarin, Cantonese and Spanish songs.
“I actually started off in this industry as a hobby playing for church events.
“Later in the early 90’s I was in a rock band performing at funfairs and expos, then ventured seriously as a musician initially replacing musicians at bars and clubs who needed a break, were sick or had to take emergency leave,” shared Brian.
By this time, he began to build up a wide repertoire of songs and became a full time working musician to play at The Royal Ipoh Club, Ipoh City and Country Club, Excelsior Hotel, Sid’s Tavern, D’Stone and Healy Macs.
Although he normally performs solo he can also work with a group depending on clients’ requirements.
Brian’s natural talents are not surprising as it runs in the family, his grandfather, uncles and aunties were also musicians in the “Town that tin built”.
His grandfather even had a music shop and also taught music along the former Brewster Road in Ipoh called “Dourado’s Musical Hall”.
Fast forward, he is now also involved with Musicians for Musicians under Persatuan Pemuzik Malaysia.
“But on March 20th, 2020 due to the MCO, they started an online live streaming performance show on Facebook showcasing various musicians from around the country.
“The show is still currently on air as many musicians are still not employed. I myself ran a stall selling T shirts in the morning and night markets around Ipoh for a few months to cover my expenses,” said Brian.
Brian also added that the entertainment scene is still slow. It has been a hard time for those in the entertainment industry not only for musicians but also deejays, emcees and sound system providers.
” I really hope that the entertainment scene will pick up not only in Ipoh but throughout the country as many musicians are still without work.
They have suffered losses over the last two years and some entertainers have even given up in the industry and resorted to other careers to sustain a living.
Nevertheless, we are hoping for better days to come soon,” he said when met by Penang Hyperlocal at a private function in Penang.